The Master List: The Best Things to Do in Dallas This Weekend, January 6-8

Cowboys fans can admit it: We cried a few sports tears when our playoff dream evaporated on Sunday night. But so be it. We know must move past another dismal season of professional football and look forward to the remaining college bowl games. Sure, these guys aren't making big money like Tony Romo, but they also don't leave a game every time they injure their fingers. Looks like we haven't forgotten about the Cowboys after all. We'll just have to drown our sorrows this weekend in ice-cold beer from a frat boy's keg as the Arizona Razorbacks, Kansas State Wildcats and their respective fans descend on Cowboys Stadium in Arlington at 7 p.m. tonight for the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic.

Since that game is sold out, join Arkansas and Kansas State fans as they cheer on their teams at their official watching parties. Arkansas Razorbacks fans will be watching the game and enjoying juicy chicken wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (5000 Belt Line Rd.). If the Razorbacks can beat the Wildcats, the team has a chance to finish in the top five of the BCS. Kansas State is hoping to shut them down, and their fans are tripling the partying at Frankie's in Fort Worth's Sundance Square (425 W. Third St.), Christie's in Uptown (2811 McKinney Ave.) and Fox and Hound Pub (18918 Midway Rd.). All watching parties begin at kickoff, and we're sure they'll continue past the game. Visit the University of Arkansas' and Kansas State University's alumni websites for more information.

Let's not forget our other two sports teams because both of them have held championship trophies before. The Dallas Stars have suffered through a few rough losses recently, but things are looking up with the return of Stephane Robidas after a six-game absence due to injury. The Oilers haven't fared too well this season either, and now their shining newbie, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, is out following a fall in Monday's game against Chicago. Watch the Stars take on the neighbors from north of the border at 1 p.m. Saturday at American Airlines Center. Tickets in the nosebleed section are $9, better seats are $25 to $110. Visit stars.nhl.com for tickets.

Of course, we can't forget our Mavericks, whom we once called champions and now will hopefully do so once more if they can recover from a series of early-season losses. Fingers crossed the Mavs can put a tally in the win column this weekend when the New Orleans Hornets visit the AAC. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. Saturday, and tickets are $10 to $280 on ticketmaster.com. After the jump, see what else is happening on this first weekend of the new year.

Kathy Griffin
Friday, January 6, at Verizon Theatre at Grand PrairieKathy Griffin is no stranger to stunts. She took off her dress in front of Anderson Cooper during CNN's New Year's Eve coverage, dated Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak briefly and underwent a pap smear in public on her former Bravo show, My Life on the D List. Griffin's still touring the country, performing brow-raising stand-up routines, and now she's in Dallas for one night at the Verizon Theatre. See the Emmy-winning comedian and actress roast a few celebrities and throw out some naughty things you wouldn't dare repeat at 8 p.m. tomorrow night. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39.75 to $59.75. Remember, she told Jesus to suck it once, so leave the kids at home and don't invite the Westboro Baptist freaks. Visit ticketmaster.com.

If she needs another dress, Neiman's has it on sale.

Bridal Gown Sample Sale
Friday, January 6, and Saturday, January 7, at Neiman Marcus Downtown
The bridal salon inside Neiman Marcus' flagship downtown store has seen lots of brides through the years, many of whom had gold cards to purchase their couture wedding frocks. Soon-to-be brides don't have to blow the wedding budget on a dress from the department store as the bridal gown sample sale is going on this week and wrapping up this weekend. Save 50 to 75 percent on gowns from Vera Wang, Amsale, Reem Acra, Monique Lhullier and other designers. Gowns are sold in their current condition, and the sale price doesn't include alteration expenses. Bridal consultants will happily give estimates on alterations. The sale ends Saturday when doors close. Visit the bridal salon's Facebook page for more information.

Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome
Friday, January 6, through Sunday, January 8, at the Kimbell As Sophia Dembling wrote last year, Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome is an exhibition worth a short trip to Fort Worth. She described the artist as a badass, and that's true. Caravaggio was one hell of a painter and troublemaker. After creating controversial religious paintings early in his career, Caravaggio found success in the Roman art world and some groupies as well. His followers were inspired by Caravaggio's works and tried to mimic his style. Paintings from Orazio Gentileschi and Giovanni Baglione, two of the painter's followers, are among the works on display at the Kimbell. The exhibition ends Sunday, so this weekend is your last chance to catch it. The museum is open until 8 p.m. tonight, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are free for museum members, $14 for adults, $10 for kids and free for kids under 6. Visit kimbellart.org.

Elvis turns 77 on Sunday.

Heartbreak on Mars III: Elvis/Bowie Scaraoke
Saturday, January 7, at Texas Theatre
Elvis Presley and David Bowie were both born on January 8, but the Texas Theatre is celebrating these milestones in music history a little early, and at the stroke of midnight, at Heartbreak on Mars III: Elvis/Bowie Scaraoke beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday. Honor two legends of rock with your own stirring renditions of their hits. You don't have to know all the lyrics to "Heartbreak Hotel" or "Space Oddity" to join the karaoke party, but good vocal chords, and your best Bowie or Presley costume, will help you win prizes. Admission is $5. Visit texastheatre.com.